Olympic Test Event | India men’s hockey team reach final, beats Japan 6-3
A clinical performance by India saw the likes of Nilakanta Sharma, Nilam Sanjeep Xess and Gurjant Singh scoring a whopping six goals to down the hosts ahead of the extravaganza next year. Finishing second in the points table, India would be facing New Zealand on Wednesday in the final.
After Nilakanta Sharma showed great awareness to score the opener for the match in just the third minute, India got the much-needed confidence and kept Japan under extreme pressure. It paid off in the seventh minute once again as Nilam Sanjeep Xess took a shot on goal from a penalty corner to double the lead. Two minutes later, Mandeep Singh got the third taking the outcome beyond doubt.
Despite Japan creating their own chances from time to time India led by a comprehensive three goals at the end of the first quarter. The hosts, however, got one field goal three Kentaro Fukuda in the 25th minute, making their intent known. India responded through Mandeep Singh, who scored a quick brace in the next five minutes to make it 5-1.
Japan looked more aggressive in the third quarter but goalkeeper Krishan Pathak’s brilliance kept them at the shore before Kenta Tanaka eventually found a crack in the 36th minute. India were leading 5-2 and were under no pressure whatsoever, which was seen in their composure. It was evident in forward Gurjant Singh’s goal in the 41st minute, which made the scoreline 6-2.
The fourth quarter saw many chances getting created and penalty corners getting awarded but to no avail for either sides. India would now be facing face New Zealand on Wednesday.
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